Fransalians are a body of priests and brothers of the Catholic church, belonging to the congregation of missionaries of St. Francis de Sales founded by Fr. Peter Marie Mermier in 1838 at Annecy, France, for the renewal of Christian faith, to evangelise people and educate the youth.

In reply to an appeal made by the Pope, six Fransalians landed in India in 1845, Over the years they were joined by other dedicated and courageous men. Fransalians began, their work in Eastern and Central India. Centers were opened in places as far as Cuttack, Aurangabad and Nagpur. hey started social service centers, dispensaries and orphanages. They gave special attention to education of the youth. At present Fransalians are working in different parts of the world, like England, France, America, East Africa, Philippiness, Chilli, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and Cameroun. In India they are engaged in social work and run schools both academic and technical, in urban and rural areas. While respecting all religions and cultures, the Fransalians make their mission hold aloft the ideals taught by Jesus which were an inspiration to Gandhiji and made especially attractive by St. Francis De Sales.